Parks Canada is warning of potential closures on Icefields Parkway and Maligne Lake Road between Friday afternoon and Sunday evening due to spring avalanche conditions.
The warmer temperatures over the next several days in Jasper and Banff national parks will increase the avalanche hazard.
“During the spring months, warming conditions can cause frequent short-notice delays,” Parks Canada stated in a public notice.
“Motorists should be prepared for changing conditions and should consider travelling earlier in the day or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.”
The Icefields Parkway from Parker Ridge to Saskatchewan River Crossing may be closed for up to eight hours at a time in the afternoon and evenings.
The Maligne Lake Road at Watchtower Trail may be closed for up to 24 to 48 hours at a time.
Drivers should closely monitor 511 Alberta as closures are based on actual conditions.
Parks Canada also reminded the drivers that gates will be locked when roads are closed, and breaking gates or intruding into avalanche control areas is unsafe and illegal.
Backcountry users should be aware that avalanche hazards will increase in the afternoon as daytime warming weakens the upper snowpack.
“Pay attention to how quickly the day is warming up and to changing snow conditions on sunny aspects,” Parks Canada added.
“Now is the time to start and end your adventure early to avoid the increased hazard in the afternoon.”
Check avalanche.ca for updated conditions.
